Splendors of Spoleto
Featuring the Spoleto Festival
July 3 - 11, 2016
Escorted by Michelle Witt, UWWS Artistic Director
Splendors of Spoleto
Dear UW World Series Friends and UW Alumni,
UW World Series and the UW Alumni Association are excited to offer our audiences a very special
music festival tour! Michelle Witt, UWWS Artistic Director, will join you as you spend an enchanting
week in the heart of Italy to experience one of its most highly regarded summer festivals.
Nestled in the verdant, picturesque hills of southern Umbria, at the very heart of Italy, Spoleto is unique
among Italian hill towns, with one foot in a glorious past and another firmly planted in the contemporary.
Spend a week soaking up the unique dolce vita of the italian countryside while meandering through
gorgeous old towns and graceful landscapes straight out of a Renaissance painting, all the while taking
in numerous innovative musical and theatrical performances as part of the famous Spoleto Festival!
The 2014 festival featured operas by Berlioz and Poulenc, and concerts with music by Bach, Sostakovic,
Scarlatti, Liszt, Mozart, Rossini, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and even Beethoven directed by Riccardo
Muti. It’s too early to know what’s on tap for 2016, but it’s certain that it will be worth the trip!
Discover the secrets of Umbrian cities like Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi, while paying special attention
to the enchanting out-of-the-way villages like Bevagna, Spello, and Solomeo. Visit artist studios in
their workshops, including the remarkable village-turned-atelier of Italy’s most renowned cashmere
producer. Two charming private family homes are specially opened for us, including a remote farmhouse
with stunning panoramic views, with our hostesses personally preparing delicious meals using local
produce. Fine food and wine (including a rustic lunch at a newly restored tiny hill town/restaurant)
are a constant staple of the program, and comfortable four-star lodgings at the lovely Hotel San Luca
complete this masterpiece of a program.
Space on this special tour is limited to 26 travelers, so don’t wait to make your reservation! For more
information on the tour or to make a reservation, please call Liz Marjollet with International Seminar
Design, Inc., at 202-244-1448. You may also reach Liz via email at [email protected]. We
look forward to welcoming you aboard this special tour.
Yours sincerely,
Michelle WittPauline Ranieri
UWWS Artistic Director
Director, UW Alumni tours
Sunflower Field Outside of Spoleto By Jordan Cook
Spoleto Festival
A
t the heart of this music-filled journey to Umbria is the famous Spoleto Festival, formerly the
“Festival dei Due Mondi,” or Festival of the Two Worlds, founded by noted Italian-American
composer and artist Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival was born during the years of Italy’s post-WWII
economic “miracle,” a time of rapidly growing prosperity and cultural expansion. Menotti’s inspiration
was to bring the world of opera, dance, music, and theater to “regular” culture-loving Italians outside
the country’s big cities. His incredible force of personality attracted major names from many different
artistic disciplines to the sleepy, romantic hill town of Spoleto for a first-of-its-kind summer arts festival
mixing contemporary and traditional works. It became the “Festival of the Two Worlds” in celebration
of its mission to bring together the European and American cultural traditions that had both shaped
Menotti’s artistic life.
Spoleto by Bas
The inaugural festival in 1958 was a huge success, and soon hundreds of thousands of art lovers were
making annual treks to beautiful Umbria for a chance to experience the unique blend of creative
contemporary and classical performances by artists from all around the world. The festival was such
a success that Menotti decided to create the Spoleto USA Festival in beautiful, historic Charleston,
South Carolina, which still thrives today. While the exponential growth of summer music festivals
in Europe has chipped away at the Spoleto Festival’s primacy, it remains the most famous cultural/
musical festival in Italy, and still attracts major performers, musicians, and artists to the green hills of
Umbria each summer. Among the regular performances are plays, musicals, operas, concerts, dance
recitals, puppet shows, performance art, and much more. Concerts cover a wonderful diversity of
music such as African choirs, film composers, top jazz musicians, famous classical ensembles, and
emerging contemporary composers.
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ITINERARY
July 3, 2016: Departures for Rome
Depart independently from the United States for Rome Fiumicino
airport.
July 4, 2016 (D): Arrivals in Spoleto
Arrive at Rome Fiumicino and meet a group transfer to beautiful
Spoleto by private motorcoach. Upon arrival in Spoleto, step back into
medieval times at the Romanesque church of San Pietro. The church
has marvelous 12th-century carvings on its facade which faced the
ancient road to Rome. Settle into the gracious four-star Hotel San
Luca just inside Spoleto’s medieval walls, before joining fellow travelers
for a lively dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
July 5, 2016 (B, L): Historical Spoleto
Enjoy the first of three lectures specially arranged for your UW group.
The rest of the day is devoted to an in-depth discovery of the lovely
hill town of Spoleto, your home for the next week. Highlights include
ancient Roman monuments such as the theater and a 2000-year-old
triumphal arch, the city’s charming Neoclassical theater, and a hidden
Romanesque church. Attend a noontime performance as part of the
Spoleto Festival. A hearty lunch will be served at a favorite eatery near
the market square. Spoleto’s Duomo is one of the prettiest churches
in central Italy and features the final great frescoes of Renaissance
master Filippo Lippi. End the day at the remarkable Rocca Albornoz,
the 14th-century fortress that dominates the city and today houses a
fascinating art museum.
Romanesque Church of San Pietro By Jordan Cook
July 6, 2016 (B, L): Orvieto & its Countryside
Ramble through the gorgeous countryside on the border between
Umbria and Tuscany and tour the grandiose medieval village of
Orvieto, perched on its tufa-rock cliffs, with special focus on its
stunning Cathedral. Next, visit the charming country home of a
young family of Tuscan nobles, enjoying the breathtaking views and
a memorable luncheon featuring classic Tuscan cuisine and olive oil
produced on their property. Return to Spoleto for independent time
for dinner, then join the group this evening to attend a performance as
part of the Spoleto Festival.
Chapel of the Madonna di San Birzio in the Duomo, Orvieto by Andy Hay
July 7, 2016 (B, L, D): Splendors of Spoleto
Enjoy the second of three lectures specially arranged for your UW
group. The day continues with an optional tour of Spoleto’s Palazzo
Collicola, a one-of-a-kind combination of Baroque interior decoration
and contemporary art. Later, tour the former house of Gian Carlo
Menotti, the founder of the Festival of the Two Worlds, the predecessor
of the Spoleto Festival. Head out into the high hills outside Spoleto for
an unforgettable afternoon with a local family on their rustic organic
farm. Learn about native plants and crops from the owner while
strolling the property, then enjoy a private pizza party with homemade
pizzas prepared in our hosts’ own outdoor wood-fired oven, using fresh
ingredients from their farm! Join the group for dinner this evening and
attend a musical performance as part of the Spoleto Festival.
Private Farm in Spoleto By Jordan Cook
July 8, 2016 (B, D): Medieval Perugia
Less than an hour away is Perugia, the capital of Umbria and
our destination for the day. Walk through Perugia’s incredible
“underground city” – the original medieval town buried by a 16thcentury papal fort. Admire the brushstrokes of Raphael and Perugino
in the Collegio del Cambio and the rich National Gallery of Art.
See the beautiful Fontana Maggiore, one of Italy’s finest medieval
fountains before enjoying free time to shop or explore Perugia’s vibrant
streets. After dinner, join the group for a performance by pianist
Angela Hewitt as part of the Trasimeno Music Festival, pending 2016
schedule. Return to Spoleto late this evening.
July 9, 2016 (B, L): Hill Towns
After our third lecture specially arranged for your UW group, meander
through the idyllic countryside near Spoleto hopping between hill
towns and vineyards! Discover the ancient, peaceful hill town of
Spello, dating back to Etruscan days. Its main highlight is the stunning
life-sized frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Baglioni Chapel. We will also
visit with a famous contemporary jewelry designer. For lunch, we are
the special guests of a group of young chefs who rehabilitated the tiny
dilapidated hill town of Bevagna, converting it into a one-of-a-kind
restaurant experience. Return to Spoleto for independent time for
dinner, then join the group this evening to attend a performance as
part of the Spoleto Festival.
Fontana Maggiore, Perugia By Sonia Fantoni
July 10, 2016 (B, D): Arts of Umbria
July 11, 2016 (B): Departures for the U.S.
Early morning transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport to meet returning
flights to the United States.
Pellegrino di pace, Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi by Andy Hay
Assisi by Benito Roveran
Travel this morning to glorious Assisi, the pink-stone town famous as
the home of St. Francis, namesake of the current pope. Learn about
Francis’ amazing life by visiting the churches of Santa Chiara and San
Ruffino, and the Basilica of St. Francis, covered with priceless frescoes
by Giotto. After an independent lunch, cross the valley to the tiny old
hamlet of Solomeo, a shining example of how Italy’s peerless artisan
traditions can revive a dying, dusty old town. In this case Bruno
Cucinelli, Italy’s leading cashmere designer, purchased the village and
trained its inhabitants in the fine skills needed to produce his wares.
A special tour of the village is offered. Back in Spoleto this evening,
celebrate the final evening of the trip with a festive farewell dinner at a
charming local restaurant.
TRIP INFORMATION
Main Tour Dates:
July 3-11, 2016
Activity Level:
Moderately active: brisk pace, substantial distances
covered on foot, and stair climbing
Main Tour Price:
Land only package: ...........................................$4,295
Single supplement: ...............................................$595
*Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum
of 15 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of June 2015
and are subject to change.
Deposit & Final Payment:
A deposit of $1,000 per paying participant is
required to guarantee participation in the program.
This deposit may be paid by check or by Visa or
MasterCard. Final payment balance will be invoiced
and is due on Thursday, March 24, 2016 and must
be paid by check only to International Seminar
Design, Inc. Registrations will be accepted beyond
this date on a space-available basis with payment in
full by check.
Air Arrangements:
International and U.S. domestic airfare are not
included in the package cost. Participants are
responsible for all aspects of their air arrangements,
round-trip into and out of the Rome Fiumicino
Airport in Italy (FCO).
Terms & Conditions:
International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts
only as an agent for the participant with respect
to transportation, accommodations, and all other
services relating to this tour. ISDI, UW Alumni
Tours, UW World Series, and/or their agents assume
no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or
omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or
irregularity, which may be caused by a defect in any
aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through
neglect or default of any subcontractor or other
third party, which may be used wholly or in part in
the performance of their duty to the participants of
the tour. ISDI, UW Alumni Tours, and UW World
Series reserve the right to cancel this tour prior
to departure for any reason including insufficient
numbers of participants, as well as the right to
decline to accept or retain any person as a member
of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the
minimum required, participants will be advised of
additional surcharge before departure date.
Cancellations and Refunds:
All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI
and are subject to a non-refundable administrative fee
of $600 per person. Written cancellation received by
ISDI on or before Thursday, March 24, 2016: full refund
minus $600 per person administrative fee. Written
cancellation received by ISDI between March 25 and May
19, 2016: $2,150 per person, including administrative
fee. Cancellations received on or after May 20, 2016: no
refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible
to issue any refunds. No refunds for any unused portion
of the tour including, but not limited to, occasional
missed meals or any missed sightseeing tours. Costs
for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not
refundable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are
not accepted. The tour cost is non-transferable. If ISDI,
UW Alumni Tours, and UW World Series cancel the
tour, active registrants will receive a full refund of all
tour payments. A package of cancellation, baggage, and
medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Travel Insurance:
ISDI, UW Alumni Tours, and UW World Series strongly
recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.
Travel insurance information will be sent by UW
Alumni Tours upon tour registration. In the event that
you must cancel your participation in a travel program,
trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of
reimbursement.
Main Tour Price Inclusions:
Seven (7) nights’ accommodations, as outlined in the
itinerary; breakfast daily, four (4) lunches, four (4)
dinners, two (2) glasses of wine or beer per person
with welcome and farewell dinners; one (1) group
airport transfer upon arrival and departure from/to
the Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO);
four (4) performance tickets for the Spoleto Festival
and one (1) performance ticket for the Trasimeno
Festival; land transportation by private motorcoach per
itinerary; entrance fees to sites per itinerary; services
of an Italian-speaking ISDI tour director; expert local
English speaking guides; gratuities to local guides and
drivers; bottled water for daily excursions on private
motorcoach; taxes, services, and porterage fees.
Main Tour Price Exclusions:
Airfare from and to U.S.A.; airline taxes, and fuel
surcharges; passport fees; airline luggage fees; airport
porterage; excursions, activities, or meals during traveler’s
free time; personal items, personal services, taxis, travel
extensions, personal insurance for health, baggage, and
tour cancellation; gratuities for chambermaids.
Splendors of Spoleto
Featuring the Spoleto Festival
July 3 - 11, 2016
Enclosed is my credit card information or deposit by check made payable by check to
International Seminar Design, Inc. in the amount of $1,000 per person.
PARTICIPANT 1 FULL NAME
Affiliation: UW World Series
or UW Alumni Association
PARTICIPANT 2 FULL NAME
Class year
ADDRESS (Billing if using credit card for payment)
CITY
STATE
DAYTIME TELEPHONE
ZIP
E-MAIL ADDRESS
/$
/
# OF PERSONS / AMOUNT ENCLOSED /PAYMENT METHOD:
CHECK VISA MASTERCARD
/ EXP:
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD / CREDIT CARD NUMBER / EXPIRATION DATE (MM/YYYY)
Double Occupancy; I will share a room with
Single Supplement ($595)
I would like a roommate but will pay the Single Supplement if one cannot be found.
Any payment to International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) constitutes your acceptance of the terms and
conditions set out herein on this brochure, including the cancellation terms.
NOTE:Each tour participant is also required to sign a Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risk and
Binding Arbitration Agreement form which you have to sign as a condition of your going on this trip. This
form is sent to all participants upon placing a tour deposit and needs to be returned within 30 days after receipt.
A copy of this form is available by request by emailing [email protected] or by calling Liz Marjollet at
202-244-1448.
Complete and return registration form by mail, email or fax to:
International Seminar Design, Inc.
Attention: Liz Marjollet
4115 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 101 | Washington, D.C. 20016
Tel: 202 244 1448 | Fax: 202 244 1808 | email: [email protected]